If your weight-loss goals are out of focus, try visualizing your ultimate success. Picture yourself at your goal weight and bask in the glory of having achieved a new, better you. While dreaming about your victory may seem like you’re ignoring reality, it can actually produce a powerful feeling of excitement and motivation that can fuel your success.

In fact, staying in the reality of weight loss may actually have you running back to your old lifestyle in no time. The fact is that reaching a healthy weight takes a lot of small, difficult steps. In order to achieve a better body and a higher level of fitness, you’ll need to work hard over an extended period of time before you see any noticeable changes. Reality bites. While you can’t change the fact that it’s going to take a lot of work to reach your goals, you definitely can have more fun getting there.

When the going gets tough, take a moment to imagine what you’ll look like, how you’ll feel and what you’ll be able to do when you finally reach your goals. Do you like what you see? Good! Now go for it.